Trail Overview
This is a highly scenic, narrow route that transitions dramatically from the valley floor up into the mountains. The trail immediately breaks into a tight canyon, following a bubbling creek through a remarkably dense and beautiful Aspen forest. As you push through the wooded sections and climb into the higher elevations, the landscape opens up into rolling grassy hills and sweeping meadows. The views here are spectacular, featuring massive, towering rock formations above and hillsides dotted with resilient mountain mahogany. Looking back down into the canyons, you can easily trace the water sources by the thick lines of Aspen groves. The main vehicle trail eventually dead-ends at a downed tree in a quirky, densely wooded hollow. However, numerous side trails branch off before this terminus, offering much better ways to explore the mountain. It is highly recommended to explore the various smaller offshoot trails you pass along the way, as they offer much more enjoyable driving and exploration. This is an active open range. If you find a gate closed, close it securely behind you; if you find it open, leave it open. There is absolutely no cell service in Road Canyon or the surrounding trails.
Difficulty
This route earns a 3 rating due to several rutted and off-camber sections caused by seasonal water runoff, particularly in the higher elevations. You will also encounter a few smaller rock obstacles along the climb. The trail features several tight, narrow sections through the trees where pinstriping (paint damage) to your vehicle is highly likely.
History
Like many of the natural funnels climbing out of the Nevada valleys, Road Canyon likely served as a critical historical pathway for early agricultural operations. The reliable creek and dense Aspen shade would have provided a perfect corridor for ranchers and Basque sheepherders driving their livestock up into the cooler, high-elevation alpine meadows to escape the blistering summer heat of the valley floor.
Offroad